Tucked beside Florence’s Academy of Fine Arts, this gallery is smaller and more focused than the Uffizi-but no less impressive. Despite the name, it’s not formally tied to the Academy itself. What you’ll find here is a rich concentration of Florentine paintings, primarily from the 14th to 16th centuries, by artists like Uccello, Ghirlandaio, or Botticelli. There’s also a striking collection of plaster sculptures by Bartolini, Pampaloni, and Giambologna.

But the true magnet is Michelangelo’s original “David”, a striking masterpiece that anchors the entire visit. Leading up to it is a series of unfinished works by Michelangelo that are beautiful in their own right-among them the four “Prisoners” and a dramatic “Compassion”. These partial figures reveal the raw, emotional intensity of his process: you can still see the grooves left by mallet and chisel. And “David”, of course, has transcended the gallery, replicated endlessly-from beachfront resorts to casino lobbies-yet none compare to the sheer impact of seeing the original in person.

Elsewhere in the gallery, a dedicated room displays gleaming gold-ground polyptychs, rescued from churches around the region. Upstairs, you’ll discover a fascinating textile exhibit featuring fabrics and tapestries from the 13th and 14th centuries. Don’t skip the musical instrument section-it’s a treasure. Highlights include stringed instruments by Casini, Amati, and Stradivari, along with rare harpsichords. Each display comes with a detailed description, and some offer audio commentary at the push of a button.

Tip: During peak travel seasons, try visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday evening-the gallery stays open late, and the lines tend to be shorter. If you pre-book your ticket online, just remember to head across the street to the designated doorway to exchange your confirmation for an actual ticket. The guards outside will point you in the right direction.

Florence's 19th-century Central Market, dating back to the 19th century, is divided into two distinct areas. The covered section is dedicated to all things food, while the outdoor area extends onto the surrounding streets, offering a variety of leather goods, clothing, and affordable souvenirs, including leather coats, jackets, and purses at great prices.

For those seeking Tuscan cuisine, the indoor area is the place to be. On the ground floor, you'll find a vibrant assortment of butchers, fishmongers, fruits, vegetables, and specialty shops. These specialty shops offer an array of local products such as olive oils, truffle honey, cured meats, cheeses, and sauces. Many of them even provide free samples, allowing visitors to taste before purchasing.

Upstairs, the food court awaits, featuring a host of delicious local culinary delights. Here, you not only have the opportunity to savor delicious food but also to observe the skilled artisans in action through glass windows. Watch as bread is freshly baked, bufala cheese is carefully crafted, and artisanal gelato is made from scratch. To fully enjoy your dining experience, it is recommended to visit outside of peak dining hours when the crowds are less overwhelming.

Some of the highlights include:
~ Il Pane e la Pasticceria: Witness the expertise of French baker and Bakery World Cup champion David Bedu as he creates a variety of bread, from baguettes to traditional loaves, and exquisite French pastries like choux and éclairs.
~ Martino Bellincampi's Shop: Indulge in buffalo mozzarella served in a classic Roman-style salad or enjoy the ultimate guilty pleasure of a Neapolitan "mozzarella in carrozza," a fried mozzarella sandwich.
~ ARÀ: Delight in Sicilian delicacies such as arancini (deep-fried rice balls with various fillings), cannoli, cassatini, and refreshing granita.
~ Il Tartufo: Experience the excellence of seasonal black & white truffles in dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches, spreads... even beer.
~ La Pizzeria: Savor Marco Fierro's perfectly crispy, fresh, wood oven-baked pizzas made with the finest Italian ingredients.
~ Pasta Fresca: Sample both classic and creative pasta dishes while attending cooking shows.
~ Il Vegeteriano e il Vegano: A haven for vegetarians and vegans, offering a wide selection of delectable options.

While the outdoor market closes in the afternoon, the food court stays open until midnight, offering an ideal spot for late-night cravings.

The beautiful Florence Baptistery, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist-patron saint of the city-stands prominently on Cathedral Square, opposite the Duomo. Raised in the 7th century over an ancient Roman structure thought to be a temple honoring Mars, the building features a distinctive octagonal shape. Early Christians frequently chose this eight-sided design for baptisteries, symbolizing renewal-the six days of creation, one day of rest, and the day of rebirth through baptism.

During its renovation in 1059, artisans covered the baptistery in alternating bands of white and dark green marble, giving the exterior its striking striped appearance. Yet, the baptistery is perhaps most famous for the three remarkable sets of bronze doors. The south doors depict moments from Saint John's life, combined with beautiful representations of the eight Christian virtues. The north doors, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti over 21 long years, illustrate scenes from the life of Christ. Ghiberti later devoted another 27 years to the spectacular east doors, famously described by Michelangelo as the “Gates of Paradise.” This extraordinary artwork features ten elaborate panels portraying the story of Joseph.

Inside, visitors can gaze upward at magnificent mosaics decorating the ceiling and view the baptismal font, in use since 1576. Francesco de’ Medici, Florence’s powerful ruler, had his son baptized here-just one among numerous notable figures who have shared this honor, including generations of the influential Medici family. Indeed, nearly every Catholic Florentine, up until the 19th century, received baptism within these very walls, making the Baptistery a core component of the city's religious heritage.

Florence's beloved poet Dante references this cherished building in his masterpiece, the “Divine Comedy.” Born in May 1265, the poet was originally named Durante, meaning “enduring,” after his maternal grandfather-though eventually, his family shortened the name to Dante.

Tip: Your standard ticket for the Duomo attractions includes access to the Baptistery, valid for 72 hours. Note that there's a strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women, so please dress appropriately. To attend the daily mass, arrive around 10:30 AM at the door opposite the main entrance and mention “mass” or “messa” to the attendant.

The famous Bell Tower of Giotto is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Though it stands beside the Cathedral, it’s actually a freestanding belfry, designed by the legendary artist and architect Giotto di Bondone-the very same Giotto who’s often credited as the first great figure of the Italian Renaissance. Rising to a height of 85 meters, this stunning structure is a remarkable example of Florentine Gothic architecture, adorned with sculptural details and colorful marble inlays in white, green, and red.

Sadly, Giotto passed away before the tower was completed, and two other architects had to carry on the work. Still, his artistic touch is unmistakable-from the marble patterns on the façade to the figurative cycle within the belfry. He may not have finished it, but his vision set the tone for everything that followed.

Yes, you can climb the tower-and of the three major ones in Florence, this one is actually the easiest to scale. The staircase has 414 steps, but they’re well spaced, with rest areas between levels. Each stop reveals one of the seven bells inside-one for each note on the musical scale. Unlike the often-crowded Cathedral, this famous landmark feels more open, with room to pause, catch your breath, and enjoy the views.

And those views are something else. From the top, you’ll get a rare angle on the Cathedral’s dome, a neat view of the Baptistery, and a sweeping look across the city’s red-tiled rooftops and winding streets-many of which have barely changed in centuries.

Tip: Your combo ticket for the Florence Cathedral complex includes access to the Bell Tower-no reservation needed. Once activated, the ticket is valid for 72 hours, giving you plenty of time to visit the other sites. While you may have to wait in line, the queue for the tower is usually short and moves quickly.

Towering over the city of Florence, the Florence Cathedral is a true Renaissance masterpiece-best known for its massive masonry dome, the largest of its kind in the world. Completed in 1465, this remarkable double-shell structure is entirely self-supporting and remains one of the greatest engineering marvels of its time.

The cathedral’s story begins in 1296, when construction of its Gothic design first got underway. The real breakthrough, however, came nearly 150 years later, when architect Filippo Brunelleschi stepped in to solve what many thought was an impossible challenge-building the dome. Inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome, Brunelleschi ran countless experiments using large-scale models and even invented custom machinery to get the job done.

Among his most remarkable inventions were lifting devices and pulley systems capable of raising over 37,000 tons of materials-including more than four million bricks. His work impressed a young apprentice named Leonardo da Vinci, who sketched the machines-drawings that were later mistakenly credited to him. But history has remembered the true innovator. Today, Brunelleschi’s statue stands in the piazza outside the Cathedral as a tribute to his genius.

Step inside, and you’ll find more treasures-like the fresco “Dante and the Divine Comedy” by Domenico di Michelino, painted in 1465. It shows the poet holding his famous book, surrounded by vivid imagery of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, along with a detailed view of Florence as it looked in the 15th century-ironically, a version of the city Dante himself never saw. To see it up close, be prepared to climb about 450 steps up a narrow staircase that spirals inside the dome.

And then there's the exterior-a stunning patchwork of colorful marbles so intricate it almost looks painted. The craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tip: When booking online, you’ll get free access to the top of the dome-but you’ll need to reserve a time slot separately. The reward is a 360-degree view of Florence, the Tuscan countryside, and the mountains beyond. Totally worth the climb.

Alongside the Cathedral Square-the religious heart of Florence-you’ll find Signoria Square, the city’s historic civic center and a living museum under the open sky. Framed by elegant buildings and top-tier museums, this spot holds a special place in the hearts of locals. It was here that the Florentine Republic took shape, and to this day, the area remains a cherished gathering place. Michelangelo’s original “David” once stood proudly in the square, and while that statue now resides in a museum, a faithful replica now stands in its place, keeping the legacy alive.

Long before the Renaissance, back in Roman times, this was the town center of Florentia, surrounded by a theater, public baths, and a textile workshop. Centuries later, a church, a loggia, and a vast 5th-century basilica rose here, traces of which came to light during excavations in the 1980s.

What makes the square truly captivating is its irregular shape and the wealth of artwork-both monumental and subtle-that surrounds you. It’s a dream for photographers, with striking visuals from every angle. But even without a camera, just standing at the center and slowly turning to take it all in is a moment worth savoring.

Presiding over everything is the medieval Old Palace, still the seat of city government. Nearby, you’ll find the Lanterns’ Lodge-an open-air sculpture gallery that’s free to enter and always open. Here you’ll see dramatic masterpieces like “The Rape of the Sabine Women”, “Hercules and the Centaur”, and “Perseus with the Head of Medusa”, which seems locked in a timeless stare with Michelangelo’s “David”.

There are a few shaded benches for a break, but if you're visiting in summer, take it slow and stay hydrated. The crowds can be thick, so when crossing the square, don’t aim straight-zigzag gently, like a sailboat tacking through the wind. A few graceful steps to the right, a few to the left, and before you know it, you’re there. Simple, smooth, and very Florentine.

Ponte Vecchio, or The Old Bridge, first appeared in written records all the way back in 996. Of the six bridges that span the Arno River in Florence, it’s the only one that survived World War II intact-spared by retreating German forces. Today, this medieval stone arch structure stands as a powerful reminder of how a ruler’s vision can shape a city’s legacy.

As in the Middle Ages, the bridge is still lined with shops-but what’s sold here has changed quite a bit over time. Originally, it was occupied by butchers, who were know for tossing animal waste directly into the river-hardly ideal for anyone strolling by. That all changed in the 16th century, when Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici had the meat merchants removed and replaced with goldsmiths. Not only did this improve the smell, but it also turned the bridge into one of the most glittering, upscale corners of Florence.

Take a look from a distance, and you might spot something unusual-a raised corridor running above the shops. This hidden passage is part of the Vasari Corridor, a nearly kilometer-long tunnel that connects the Pitti Palace with the Old Palace. It was built so that the Grand Duke could move between his residence and government offices without mingling with the crowds. Although closed since 2016 for safety reasons, there are plans to reopen it for visitors.

There’s even a bit of financial folklore tied to this spot, which is said to be the birthplace of the term “bankruptcy.” When a moneylender couldn’t pay his debts, soldiers smashed his trading bench-called a banco-to pieces, a symbolic act that left him unable to operate. Hence the term “bancorotto”, or “broken bench”, was born.

These days, the Old Bridge is a lovely place for a walk-especially at sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over the Arno. Early mornings are just as magical, with soft reflections on the water and, if you’re lucky, the bridge nearly all to yourself.